Toxins and microorganism cultures imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $41.6 million of toxins and microorganism cultures in 2024 (548 tonnes). Value fell 16% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $53.0 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $41.6M | 548 t |
| 2023 | $49.6M | 683 t |
| 2022 | $53.0M | 897 t |
| 2021 | $52.4M | 615 t |
| 2020 | $35.6M | 632 t |
| 2019 | $34.5M | 705 t |
| 2018 | $36.5M | 548 t |
| 2017 | $34.2M | 393 t |
Where South Africa imports toxins and microorganism cultures from
Most of the value came from United States (27%), Ireland (19%), Denmark (14%). Among the main suppliers, Czech Republic grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $11.3M | 27% |
| Ireland | $7.9M | 19% |
| Denmark | $5.9M | 14% |
| United Kingdom | $5.7M | 14% |
| France | $2.6M | 6.3% |
| Germany | $2.1M | 5% |
| Switzerland | $1.5M | 3.7% |
| Argentina | $1.5M | 3.6% |
| Czech Republic | $1.0M | 2.5% |
| Italy | $854K | 2.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $76.02 per kg, 39% below the world average of $124.82, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Toxins and microorganism cultures exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $6.5 million of toxins and microorganism cultures in 2024 (223 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (25%), Ukraine (20%), Zambia (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.6M | 25% |
| Ukraine | $1.3M | 20% |
| Zambia | $785K | 12% |
| Poland | $455K | 7% |
| Uganda | $399K | 6.1% |
| Kenya | $255K | 3.9% |
| Eswatini | $233K | 3.6% |
| Mauritius | $176K | 2.7% |
| Botswana | $175K | 2.7% |
| France | $148K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa toxins and microorganism cultures imports (HS 3002.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 3002.90: Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products.
Common questions
What is the value of toxins and microorganism cultures imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported toxins and microorganism cultures worth $41.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 548 tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply toxins and microorganism cultures to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($11.3 million), followed by Ireland (19%) and Denmark (14%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 82 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 72% on the year.
What is the average import price of toxins and microorganism cultures per kg?
The average declared import value was about $76.02 per kg in 2024, 39% below the world average of $124.82 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of toxins and microorganism cultures to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $34.2 million in 2017 to $41.6 million in 2024, an increase of 22%. The peak was 2022 at $53.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $42.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export toxins and microorganism cultures?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Ukraine and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $35.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for toxins and microorganism cultures?
The HS code for toxins and microorganism cultures is subheading 3002.90. It sits in HS chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3002 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World toxins and microorganism cultures trade: top importers and exporters
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